Automatic controlling mechanism



Nov. 11, 1930. A. J. FRAME 1,781,453

AUTOMATIC CONTROLLING MECHANI'SM Filed March 14, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. M, 1930. A. J. FRAME 1,781,453

AUTOMATIC CONTHOLLING MECHANISM Filed March 14, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patentedv Nov. 11, 1930 UNITED srA'ras PATENT FFICE AUGUSTUS J. FRAME, F COLUMBUS, OHIO, ASSIGNOIR. TO FRANKLIN OIL HEATING, INC., OF COLUMBUS, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO AUTOMATIC CONTBOLLING MEOHANIBM Application led Baroh i4, 1927. Serial Fo. 175,293.

This invention relates to an automatic controlling mechanism especially adapted for use inconnection with oil burning systems, and the primary object of the invention resides in the provision of means of an automatically controlled character for controlling the flow of the liquid fuel and air to the associated burner in such a manner that complete and perfect combustion of the fuel will take placeatall times so that the formation of-soot or carbon in and around the walls of the combustion chamber of the burner will be prevented or minimized.

In the majority of oil burning systems employed especially for house heating purposes, 1t is customary to provide a thermostatically controlled controller for opening and closin the electrical circuit of the motor employe for driving the air fan and which delivers air under Vforced draught conditions to the oil burner where the air is mixed with the atomized or vaporized liquid fuel for combustion purposes. Also, such thermostatic controllers have been employed for operating automatically valve mechanisms for controlling the flow of the liquidv fuel to the burners. These arran ements usually operate on the principle tint when a predetermined temperature has been reached within a zone to be heated, the thermostatically operating device `opens the `electrical circuit, thereby stopping the operation of the motor which controls the air fan or blower and at the same time permits of the closure of the valve regulatin the oil flow to the burner.

It has been, onnd, however, that the oil dis osed in the ap aratus between the oil liow controlling va ve and the burner and in thej combustion chamber continues to burn is',d1`1e tothe fact-that the air supplying motor has its operation arrested, so that the remaining oil referred to burns under merely ordinary atmos heric volumes of air without therefore, in inefficient impro er 'combustion for an appreciable period of time or until the quantity of the fuel remaining in the outer endrof the apparatus beyond the oil flow valverhas been consumed. It is due to this underineifcient combustion conditions. This the aid of the orced draught. This results,

cause directly that many complaints have arisen respecting the odor and smoke resulting from the operation of domestic heating plants using oi as a source of fuel.

Therefore, in order to overcome the difnculties and disadvantages above referred to, the present invention, provides automatic controlling means whereby when the oil supply has been arrested provision is made for allowing the motor driven fan or blower to continue in operation for a desired period of time before its operation is completely stopped, in order that the fuel remaining in the burner, in advance of the oil controlling valve, will during its period of combustion be supplied with normal quantities of air until substantially all of such oil has been fully consumed, and at which time the operation of the blower, fan or the motor controlling the same will be curtailed, thevsystcm thereby preventing the formation ofcarbon or soot and permits of clean odorless combustion at all times, regardlessly of how intcrmittently the oil burning system as a whole may be operated. VWith these and other objects in view, as will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists in the novel features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangements of parts hereinafter to be fully described and pointed out in the appended claims. 4

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in vertical section of the automatic controller comprising the present invention,

Figure 2 is a top plan view thereof,

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic View of the circuit arrangement, and

Fi ure 4 is a detail sectional view disclos-` ing t e mechanism in a circuit completing position. l

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the numeral 1 designatesan oil burner of a type especially adapted for use in con-L. nection with residence heating systems, la1- though the invention is not limited inany sense to this specific field of application;l ,As shown, however, the burner 1 communicates with a pipe line 2, through which is circulated, .-1100 a fluid usually in the form of fuel oil. Also communicating with the burner 1 and in this instance surrounding the line 2 is an air supply conduit 3, through which air is forced under desired pressure and interlningled with the vaporized or atomized liquid fuel within the burner for combustion purposes. The air is forced through the conduit 3 preterably by means of a blower or fan 4, which is directly connected with the armature shaft of an electrical motor 5. The operation of this motor and the flow of oil through the line 2 is governed bv an automatic controller designated in its entirety by the numeral 6, and which controller comprises the gist of the present invention g n In the specific form of the mventlon herein illustrated the controller comprises a casing which consists of a base 7 and an open bottomed cover 8. Arising from the base 1s a pedestal 9, upon which is mounted a solenoid 10 which is wound for either A. C. or D. C. current. Movably mounted within the solenoid and responsive to the coil excitations thereof is a stein or core 11, which is mounted for sliding movement within an adjustable guide 12 carried in connection with the pedestal. The lower end of the stem is of conoidal form to serve in the capacity of a needle valve, and is adapted to open and close a valve opening 13 provided in a partitlon wall 14 formed in a valve body 15. The latter 1s nositioned at a suitable point within the pipe line 2, being spaced from the burner 1. Aris-f ing from the valve body is a guide 16, 1n which the stem 11 is slidably received, and in this instance the stem is provided with a fixed collar 17, adapted to engage with the ad]ust able guide l2 to limit the downward movementof the valve stem. A coil spring 118 surrounds the stem between the guides 12 and 16 and serves to frictionally maintain the adjustment of the guide.

Arranged in the casing of the controller, above the solenoid, 10, is a mercury switch 19, which consists, as usual, of a glass tube including enlarged ends 20 and a relatively reduced intermediate portion. Surrounding the intermediate portion of the tube is a clamp 21 mounted upon a solenoid arm 22, the latter being pivoted as at 23 on'a bracket 24 arising from the casing or hood 25 which surrounds the solenoid. The under side of the` n 19 assumes a parallel position with the arm,

allowing the body of mercury contained therein to flow toward the lower side of the switch and out of engagement with the spaced terminals 26 arranged in one end of the switch. From one of these terminals there extends a lead 27 which leads to the motor 5 and thence by way of a trunk conductor 28 to the'positive side of a source of energy. The other terminal is connected with a lead 29 which extends to the negative trunk conductor 30. By this arrangement, when the solenoid 1() is energized the ,stem 11 is elevated, as heretofore described, to allow fuel flow through the line 2. Simultaneously with this operation the arm 22 is elevatedto assumo the osition disclosed in Figure 4, thereby rocking the mercury switch about the pivot point 23 so that the same assumes an oppositely inclined position to that shown in Figure 1, This allows the body of mercury within the switch to flow toward the opposite corner to close the electrical gap between the spaced terminals 26', thereby completing the circuit to the motor 5 and causing the operation of the fan 4. The fan thus works concurrently with the flow of fuel oil to cause combustion in the burner 1 in the usual manner.

To operate the solenoid shunt leads 31 are connected with the trunk conductors 28 and 30 and extend to the primary winding of a step down transformer 32. From the secondary windings of this transformer a lead 33 extends to a thermostatic switch 34 of the usual type found in house heating systems although it will be obvious that a manually operable switch may be substituted for a thermostatically controlled switch, if desired, without'departing from the spirit of my invention. From the switch 34a second lead 35 extends to the windings of the solenoid 10 and after passing through the windings of the solenoid the current 1s conveyed back to the secondary side of the transformer by means of a lead 36. It will be understood that the switch 34 is of the type which may be set to operate when a predetermined temperature has been reached. Thus assuming that the thermostat has been set to operate at 7 O degrecs Fahrenheit it will be seen that when .the temperature in the zone surrounding the thermostatic switch reaches such temperatures, said switch will be operated to break the circuit which normally Aenergizes the solenoid, thereby arresting the operation of the motor 5 and shutting off the oil flow. However, at all temperatures below 70 degrees the thermostatic switch will remain closed, thereby exciting the coils of the solenoid and elevating the core or stem 11 to maintain the motor 5 in an energized condition and to admit of fuel flow through the `pipe line 2.

It will be seen that after the valve stem has been moved to assume a position of closure, arresting oil iow there still remains a certain amount of oil between the valve and the oil burner and in the burner itself. In pre viousts'ystems this oil was permitted to burn off wit out having sufficient oxygen to support eiiicient combustionwith the result that a smoky condition was present, to ether with carbon or soot formation and wit disagreeable odors. By the present invention this is avoided throu h the provision of a thermostatic arm in icated at 37. In its present form this arm consists of two or more strips of metal )laced side by side and having their lower en s secured as at 38 to the base 7 of the regulator casing. Surrounding or arranged adjacent tothe arm 37 is a heating coil 39, which is connected as at 40 with the lead 35 and has its other terminal connected bymeans of a lead 41 to the lead 36. By this arrangement it will be seen that when the switch 34 is energized or closed and electrical current is passing through the coils of the solenoid 10 the heating or resistance coil 39 surrounding the arm 37 will be heated to a sufficient extent so as to cause flexure of the thermostatic'arm 37. This results, as shown in Figure 4, in the inward bowing of the upper free end of the arm 37 so that the latter will be disposed in the path of movement of the armature 22. The operation of the thermostatic arm is comparatively slow as regards the operation of the solenoid. Thus when the solenoid is initially energized the coil or stem 11 responds promptly to the electrical ield created and quickly elevates the armature 22. However, it takes the coil 39 an appreciable interval of time to become sufficiently heated so as to cause the bending of the thermostatic arm. This interval is sufficient to allow the arm to move without interference into and under the arm 22 so as to positively support the latter in its elevated position independently of the solenoid. Thus, when the thermostatic switch 34 is operated inode-energize the solenoid, the stem or valve responds quickly to the influence of gravity and moves away from supporting engagement with the arm, leaving the latter in its elevated position by virtue of the supporting influence exercised thereon by the upper end of the thermostatic arm 37. Therefore,even after the solenoid has been operatedl or released to close the oil line, the switch 19 is maintained in a position closing the circuit of the motor 5. This enables the motor to continue its operation of driving y the fan 4 for a definite interval of time or until after all of the oil remaining in the burner between the valve 13 and the burner proper or at least that within the zone of iniuence of the'heat from the burner has been consumed. By this arrangement eiiicient combustion takes place throughout all stages of operation on the part of the system; at no time is there a condition of combustion present wherein smoke, odor and soot accumulation or formation takes place. It will beseen that the current passing through the coil 39 is shut olf simultaneously with the de-energizing of the coils of the solenoid. However, since the thermostatic arm 37 operates slowly thepsame does not cool or straighten until after the motor 5 is operated for the desired time interval. At this time the arm has sufiiciently cooled and straightened so as to be moved out of the path of the armature 22, thereby allowing the latter to fall b gravity upon the u per end of the depresse stem 11, thus breaklng the circuit to the motor 5 and arresting the general operation of the s stem. The casing of the controller is provi ed with the usual outlet connection 42, and may be provided with an interiorly supported rigid bracket 43 through which the various leads or conductors are trained and supported.

In view of the forgoing it will be seen that the present invention provides an automatic controller adapted for oil burnin heating systems, although it is not intended that the invention shall be limited to this particular field 0f use since its principles are ada table to many other forms of apparatus w erein automatic regulations of this character may be desired. The controller is essentially simple in construction and reliable and efficient 1n use; is not likely to become out of order or to require repair or close supervision. The operation is essentially automatic after the s stem has been set to function properly no urther attention or control need be given the same. I, of course, do not limit myself to the structural details set forth specifically above but reserve the right to employ such modifications and variations of the invention that fall fairly within the scope of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. The combination with an oil burner, oil andwair supply pipe lines entering said burner, a fan in said air line, a motor for said fan, a valve in said oil supply line, means for normally maintaining said valve in a closed position, of a controller embodying a solenoid, a thermostatic switch, means operable upon the closing of said switch to energize said solenoid and open said valve, a mercury switch operable upon the opening of said valve to energize said fan motor, and means for retaining said mercury switch for an appreciable time interval in a position of circuit closure following the de-energizing of said solenoid.

2. An automatic controller of the character set forth comprising a casing, a solenoid mounted within said casing, said solenoid including an armature, a switch pivotally mounted adjacent said solenoid within said casing, said switch being arranged in the path of movement of said armature whereby when said solenoid is energized said armature will be operated to pivotally move said switch to a position of circuit closure, and thermostatic means for lpositively retaining said switch in a positionfof circuit closure for a definite time interval folowing the de-encrgizing of said solenoid.

3. n automatic controller of the character set forth embodying an electro-magnetic coil, an armature movable in response to the excitations of said coil,`a movable circuit controlling switch actuated by the movement of said armature, and a thermostatic stop means for maintaining said switch in a re'determined position independently of sald armature.

4. An automatic controller of the character set forth, embodying an electro-magnetic coil, an armature movable in response to the magnetic field of said coil, a valve mechanism operated directly by said armature, a movable circuit controlling switch actuated by the movement of said armature, and a thermally operated stop means cooperative withsaid switch to maintain the latter in a predetermined osition for a definite time interval indepen ently of said armature.

5. An automatic controller of the character set forth embodying,r an electro-magnetic coil, an armature movable in response to the inuence of the field of said coil,'a valve mechanism cooperative with said armature and adapted tobe opened when said coil is energized, a pivotally mounted switch arranged for engagement with said armature and actuated by the movements of the latter, and a thermostatic stop member in circuit with said coil and adapted upon being heated to c0- operate with said switch so as to retain the latter for an appreciable time interval in a predetermined osition following the deenergizing of Sai coil.

6. An automatic controller of the character set-forth comprising a motor circuit, a normally open controlling switch in said circuit, a second circuit, a thermostatic switch for said second circuit, an element affected by the closing of said second circuit by the thermostatic switch for closing said controlling switch of the motor circuit, and a thermostatic stop member in circuit with said element for retaining the controlling switch in a closed position for a definite time interval following the opening of the second circuit.

7. An automatic controllar of the character set forth, comprising a motor andan electric circuit, a switch in said circuit for controlling the operation of said motor, a second circuit, means affected by the closing of said second circuit for actuating said controlling switch to one of its positions, and a thermostatic element in said second circuit for. holding said switch in the position set by said means for a limited time period.

8. An automatic controller of the character set forth comprising a circuit, a movable switch normally open in said circuit, a second ter'set forth embodying an element movabl affected by electric energy, a circuit contro ling switch actuated by the movement of said element, and a thermostatic stop means for maintaininr said switch ina predetermined position independently of said'element.

10. In combination' withl an oil burner, oil and air supply pipe lines enterin said burner, a fan in said air line, a motor or said fan, a controlling switch for said motor, a valve in said oil ,supply line, of a controller employing a pair of elements, a thermostatic switch for controlling the operation of one of said elements for opening said valve and for controlling the operation of the other element to retain said motor controlling switch in a circuit closing position for a definite time^in terval following the closing of said valve.

11. In an automatic controller of the character set forth comprising a motor circuit, a normally open controllin switch in said circuit, a second circuit, a t ermostatic switch for said second circuit, and switch operatin means responsive to the closing of the secon circuit by said thermostatic switch and for retaining the controlling switch in a circuit closing position for a desirable Atime interval following the opening of the thermostatic switch.

12. In an automatic controller of the character set forth, comprising a motor and an electric circuit, a switch in said circuit for controlling the operation of said motor, a second circuit, a pair of elements 'connected in said second circuit, a valve mechanism cooperative with one of said elements and adapted to be opened upon the energizing of said element, the other element being employed to retain the motor controlling switch in a circuit closing position for a pre-de-l termined interval of time following the closing of said Vvalve and the operation ofthe first named element.

13. An automatic controller of the character set forth employing elements responsively affected bv electric energy, a circuit controlling switch movably actuated by said elements to close and open said controlling switch and to retain said switch in a circuit closing position for a pre-determined time interval following the discontinuation of energy to said elements.

14. In 'combination withv an oil burner, a fuel supply means, a valve to permit and shut oif supply of fuel thereby, a motor, a power `close said circuit, electrically actuated means to hold said valve in open position, means to maintain said switch in closed position when said Valve is open, and means to delay opening of said switch for a desired period of time after closure of said valve.

16. In combination with an oil burner, a

' fuel supply means, a valve to permit and shut off supply of fuel thereby, a motor, a power circuit therefor, a switch to open and close said circuit, electrically actuated means to hold said valve in open position, means to maintain said switch in closed position when said valve is open and means in circuit with said valve. holding means to delay opening of said switch for a desired period of time after closure of said valve.

17. In' combination with an oil burner, a fuel supply line, a valve to open and close said line, a motor, a power circuit therefor, a switch to open and close said circuit, and

Ameans to delay opening of said switch for a desired period of time after closure of said valve.

18. In combination with an oil burner, a fuel supply line, a valve to open and close said line, a motor, a power circuittherefor, a. switch to open and close said circuit, and means to delay o ening of said switch for a v desired period o time after closure of said valve, said last named means comprising an electrically actuated member.

19. In combination with an oil burner, a fuel supply line, a valve, to open and close said line, a motor, a power circuit therefor, a switch to open and close said circuit, electricall actuated means to open said valve, and e ectrically actuated means in circuit therewith to prevent opening of said switch for a desired period of time after o ening of said circuit, said circuit including goth said electrically actuated means.

20. The combination of an oil burner, a fuel supply line, a valve to open and close said line, a 'solenoid for actuation of said valve, a motor, a ower circuit therefor, a switch to o en an close said circuit, and means to de a opening of said switch for a desired perio of time after closure of said valve, said last named means comprising an 4 electrically actuated member.

21. The combination of fuel supply line, said line,

an oil burner, a a. valve to open and close a solenoid for actuation of said valve, a motor, a ower circuit therefor, a switch to open an close said circuit, thermostatic member operable to m 'ntain said switch in closed condition, and a circuit for actuation of said last named member.

22. In combination with an oil burning mechanism, an air supplying means, a motor therefor, an electric circuit including said motor, a fuel supply line, a valve in said line, a solenoid operable to open said valve, a circuit including said solenoid, circuit making and breaking means associated with said solenoid circuit, a second circuit making and breaking means associated with said motor circuit, and means including an electrically heated thermostatic member to maintain said second circuit making and breaking means in circuit closing position for a period of time after opening of said first circuit making and breaking means.

23. In combination with an oil burning mechanism, an air supplying means, a motor therefor, an electric circuit including said motor, a fuel supply line, a Valve in said line, a solenoid operable to open said valve, a circuit including said solenoid, and means including an electrically heated thermostatic member to maintain said motor circuit closed for a period of time after said solenoid circuit is opened.

24. In combination with an oil burning mechanism, an air supplying means, a motor therefor, an electric circuit including said motor, a fuel supply line, a valve in said line, a solenoid operable to open said valve, a circuit including said solenoid, and means including a circuit comprising an electric heating means and an electrically heated thermostatic member to maintain said motor circuit closed for a period of time after said solenoid circuit is opened.

25. In combination with an oil burning mechanism, an air supplying means a motor therefor, an electric circuit including said motor, a fuel supply line, a valve in said line, a solenoid operable to open said valve, a cir cuit including said solenoid, a circuit including an electrically heated thermostatic member and heating means associated therewith, and a room thermostatactuated by room temperature to open said last named circuit, said thermostatic member being arranged tomaintain said motor circuit closed for a desirable period of time after opening of said solenoid circuit. v

In testimony whereof I aix my si nature.

AUGUSTUS J. F ME. 

